They just had no idea

On Saturday, Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry and team owner Jimmy Haslam attended the Texas-Ohio State game with hopes of scouting a potential franchise quarterback. The focus was on Arch Manning, one of the most highly-hyped prospects of the 2020s, but things did not go as planned. Manning struggled during the game, throwing an interception and committing two turnovers on downs as Texas fell to Ohio State by a score of 7-14.

Sportscaster Colin Cowherd wasted no time in poking fun at Berry and Haslam for their misjudgment, suggesting that Ohio State’s Julian Sayin would be a better fit for the team. The Browns’ interest in Manning had been widely discussed prior to the game, with rumors swirling about the team’s potential draft plans.

Ben Axelrod, senior editor at Awful Announcing, also joined in the mockery, highlighting the irony of the Browns’ scouting efforts being met with a lackluster performance from Manning. Head coach Kevin Stefanski was also in attendance, marking his first live college football game since taking on the role in 2020.

The Browns’ quarterback situation has been turbulent for years, with numerous changes and struggles at the position. After parting ways with Baker Mayfield and bringing in Deshaun Watson, the team faced more challenges due to Watson’s suspension and subsequent injuries. As a result, the Browns have been exploring options for a long-term solution at quarterback, with Manning emerging as a potential candidate.

Colin Cowherd had previously discussed the Browns’ interest in Manning on his show, noting the strong connections between the team’s ownership and the Manning family. With the 2025 season set to kick off against the Cincinnati Bengals, the Browns are looking to solidify their quarterback situation and build a competitive team.

As the Browns navigate the challenges of the upcoming season, the spotlight remains on their search for a franchise quarterback. With Manning’s underwhelming performance raising questions about his potential as a top pick, the team will need to carefully consider their options moving forward. Stay tuned for more updates on the Browns’ quarterback situation as the season progresses.